Establishing a Communication Session

ABSTRACT

A method for operating an IP Multimedia Subsystem Application Server to facilitate a communication session between a first user and a second user at a required Quality of Service (QoS) is provided. The method calls for receiving a notification that a Policy and Charging Rules function (PCRF) associated with the first user has not authorised the required QoS. The notification includes an indication of additional QoS required by the first user in order to achieve the required QoS. Authorization for the additional QoS for the first user is then requested from a PCRF associated with the second user. The method then calls for receiving a notification that the PCRF associated with the second user has authorised the additional QoS, and notifying the PCRF associated with the first user that the additional QoS has been authorised for the first user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.13/320,864, which is the National Stage of International Application No.PCT/EP2009/056093, filed May 19, 2009. Each of the '864 and '093applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method of establishing acommunication session. More particularly, the invention relates toincreasing the Quality of Service available to a user for the durationof a communications session.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunications services provided over an IP Connectivity AccessNetwork (IP-CAN) can be subject to charging and policy controlmechanisms. This includes Quality of Service (QoS) control. Accordingly,some telecommunications systems incorporate Policy and Charging Control(PCC) architectures to provide this control. 3GPP TS 23.203 V8.1.1describes such a PCC architecture in respect of packet flows in anIP-CAN session established by a user terminal through an Evolved 3GPPtelecommunications system, including both 3GPP accesses(GERAN/UTRAN/E-UTRAN) and Non-3GPP accesses. FIG. 1 illustratesschematically an example of the PCC architecture described in 3GPP TS23.203 that comprises a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF),a Bearer Binding and Event Reporting Function (BBERF), a Policy andCharging Rules Function (PCRF), an Application Function (AF), an OnlineCharging System (OCS), an Offline Charging System (OFCS) and theSubscription Profile Repository (SPR).

The PCEF is a functional entity that behaves as a Policy Enforcing Point(PEP) for enforcing decisions instructed by the PCRF and the OCS. ThePCEF captures any user and signalling traffic, and analyzes that trafficto identify the user and to capture details of the service(s) beingused. The PCEF can then communicate this information to the PCRF overthe Gx interface, to the OCS over the Gy interface and to the OFCS overthe Gz interface. The PCEF is preferably co-located within the gatewaynode implementing the IP access to the PDN. As such, in a GPRS corenetwork the PCEF is located within the GPRS Gateway Support Node (GGSN),whilst in the case of a CDMA2000 network the PCEF may be located in aPacket Data Serving Node (PDSN).

The OCS provides authorization for the usage of network resources basedon the provisioned data and the user activity information it receivesfrom PCEF. This authorization must be granted by the OCS prior to theactual resource usage. When receiving a network resource usage request,the network assembles the relevant charging information and generates acharging event towards the OCS in real-time. The OCS then returns anappropriate resource usage authorization over the Gy interface. Theresource usage authorization may be limited in its scope (e.g. volume ofdata or duration) therefore this authorization may have to be renewedfrom time to time as long as the user's resource usage persists. The OCScan support time, volume and event-based charging.

The AF is an element offering applications that require policy and/orcharging control of the IP-CAN user plane behaviour. The AF communicateswith the PCRF over the Rx interface to transfer dynamic sessioninformation, required for PCRF decisions as well as to receive IP-CANspecific information and notifications about IP-CAN bearer level events.One example of an AF is the P-CSCF of the IP Multimedia Core Network (IMCN) subsystem. In the case of a P-CSCF, the information communicatedover the Rx interface is derived from the P-CSCF session information(e.g. SDP when SIP is used for signalling) and it mainly includes mediacomponents. A media component comprises a set of IP flows, each of whichis described by a 5-tuple, the media type and required bandwidth.

The PCRF can be implemented as a standalone node and behaves as a PolicyDecision Point (PDP), or Policy Server (PS), that stores user datarelated to QoS enforcement, access control lists, etc. The PCRF providespolicy and charging control for the media components negotiated betweenthe user terminal and the AF. The PCRF provides network controlregarding the service data flow detection, gating, QoS and flow basedcharging (except credit management) towards the PCEF. The QoSinformation that PCRF downloads to the PCEF includes the QoS classidentifier (authorized QoS class for the service data flow), theAllocation and Retention Priority (ARP) and authorized bitrates foruplink and downlink. Once a decision is taken in PCRF, this decision isindicated to the PCEF by means of the Gx interface.

The SPR contains all subscriber/subscription related information neededfor subscription-based policies and IP-CAN bearer level charging rulesby the PCRF. The Sp interface allows the PCRF to request subscriptioninformation related to the IP-CAN transport level policies from the SPRbased on a subscriber ID and other IP-CAN session attributes.

Network operators offer a variety of different types of subscription tousers, each of which can have a different QoS and/or usage limits. Forexample, one subscription type may provide the user with a bandwidthlimit of 1 Mbps for the first 1 Gb of data, after which the bandwidth isthen downgraded to 128 Kbps. An alternative subscription type mayprovide a bandwidth limit of 3 Mbps for the first 5 Gb of data, afterwhich there is no access to any services other than the operatorsportal. Therefore the QoS level received by the user will depend on whathe/she is willing to pay. Although the examples above only define thebandwidth limit QoS parameter, the user's subscription type can alsodefine other QoS parameters, such as the QoS Class Identifier (QCI),traffic delay, etc.

For certain types of services there may be a preferred or requiredminimum QoS. For example in a video conference it is essential toprovide a sufficiently high bandwidth to all the participating users.FIG. 2 is an example signalling flow diagram of a video conferencenegotiation in an IM CN subsystem. In this example, two users arenegotiating a video conference. The subscription of one of the usersprovides a bandwidth restricted below the QoS required for the videoconference, such that the negotiation fails and the session is aborted.The steps performed are as follows:

-   -   A1. A SIP INVITE is sent from the originating user terminal        (UE A) to a terminating user terminal (UE B). The SIP INVITE is        routed via P-CSCF A associated with UE A to a Telephony        Application Server (TAS) and onto P-CSCF B associated with UE B.    -   A2. UE B returns a 183 Session Progress message to P-CSCF B.    -   A3. P-CSCF B then sends an Authenticate and Authorize Request        (AAR) message to PCRF B to authorize the required QoS.    -   A4. In this example, PCRF B does not authorise the QoS because        the subscription of user B of UE B does not allow the QoS        required for the session (e.g. if the user's maximum bandwidth=1        Mbps and the video conference requested bandwidth=2 Mbps). PCRF        B sends the rejection to P-CSCF B in an Authenticate and        Authorize Answer (AAA) message.    -   A5. The P-CSCF B sends a BYE message to the UE A and UE B to        inform them that the session has been terminated.

Alternatively, it could be the case that, despite the restrictedbandwidth, the service is allowed. However, without the desired QoS, itis likely that the service experienced by both users will be poor. In afurther alternative, both users may initially negotiate and agree acertain QoS. However, during the session one of the users may bedowngraded to a lower QoS, for example, the user may have exceeded theirusage limit. In this case, whilst the session is not interrupted, theservice will be degraded and this degradation will be perceived by bothusers

In summary, whilst the limitations on the QoS available to a user, dueto the restrictions of their subscription, will limit the servicesavailable to that user, they may also limit the services or QoSavailable to other users who wish to communicate with that user.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of operating an IP Multimedia Subsystem Application Server tofacilitate a communication session between a first user and a seconduser at a required Quality of Service. The method comprises receiving anotification that a Policy and Charging Rules function associated withthe first user has not authorised said required Quality of Service, thenotification including an indication of additional Quality of Servicerequired by the first user in order to achieve said required Quality ofService, requesting authorisation, from a Policy and Charging Rulesfunction associated with the second user, for the additional Quality ofService for the first user, receiving a notification that the Policy andCharging Rules function associated with the second user has authorisedsaid additional Quality of Service, and notifying the Policy andCharging Rules function associated with the first user that theadditional Quality of Service has been authorised for the first user.

As a result, a session communication between the first and second usercan be successfully established even if the QoS available to the firstuser is insufficient/inadequate for a particular session. As such, thismethod provides that the limitations on the QoS available to a user, dueto the restrictions of their subscription, will not limit the servicesor QoS available to other users who wish to communicate with that user.

The method may also comprise, prior to requesting authorisation for theupgraded Quality of Service, requesting whether or not the second useris willing to provide the additional Quality of Service for the firstuser, receiving a response from the second user, and, if the second useris willing, proceeding to request authorisation for the additionalQuality of Service.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of operating a Policy and Charging Rules Function associatedwith a first user to establish a communication session between the firstuser and a second user at a required Quality of Service. The methodcomprises receiving a Quality of Service authorisation request, therequest including said required Quality of Service required by the firstuser and an additional Quality of Service required by the second user,determining if a subscription of the first user allows sufficientQuality of Service for both the required Quality of Service and theadditional Quality of Service; and, if so, responding to the requestwith an indication that the required Quality of Service and theadditional Quality of Service have been authorised.

If the subscription of the first user does allow sufficient Quality ofService for both the required Quality of Service and the additionalQuality of Service, the Quality of Service available to the first usermay be reduced by an amount equivalent to the additional Quality ofService for the duration of the session.

If the subscription of the first user does not allow sufficient Qualityof Service for both the required Quality of Service and the additionalQuality of Service, the method may comprise determining if thesubscription of the first user can be upgraded, at the cost of the firstuser, in order to provide the required Quality of Service for the firstuser and the additional Quality of Service required by the second user,and if so, upgrading the subscription of the first user, and respondingto the request with an indication that the required Quality of Serviceand the additional Quality of Service have been authorised.

The step of determining if the subscription of the first user can beupgraded may comprise determining whether or not permission to upgradethe subscription of the first user has been pre-configured for the firstuser. The step of determining if the subscription of the first user canbe upgraded may also comprise sending a message to the first userrequesting permission to upgrade their subscription.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of operating a Policy and Charging Rules Function associated witha first user to control the establishment of a communication sessionbetween the first user and a second user at a required Quality ofService. The method comprises receiving a Quality of Serviceauthorisation request, the request including said required Quality ofService required by the first user, determining if a subscription of thefirst user allows sufficient Quality of Service for the required Qualityof Service, and if not, determining the additional Quality of Servicerequired by the first user in order to achieve said required Quality ofService, and responding to the request with an indication that thedesired Quality of Service has not been authorised and including theadditional QoS required by the first user.

The method may further comprise receiving a further Quality of Serviceauthorisation request, the request including said required Quality ofService required by the first user and an indication that the additionalQuality of Service has been authorised by a Policy and Charging Rulesfunction associated with the second user, determining if a combinationof the Quality of Service allowed by a subscription of the first userand the additional Quality of Service is sufficient for the requiredQuality of Service, and if so, responding to the request with anindication that the required Quality of Service has been authorised.

If the combination of the Quality of Service allowed by a subscriptionof the first user and the additional Quality of Service is sufficientfor the required Quality of Service, then the Quality of Serviceavailable to the first user may be increased by an amount equivalent tothe additional Quality of Service for the duration of the session.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of operating an IP Multimedia Subsystem Proxy Call SessionControl Function associated with a first user to facilitate acommunication session between the first user and a second user at arequired Quality of Service. The method comprises receiving a requestfrom an Application Server that the first user obtain authorisation,from a Policy and Charging Rules function associated with the firstuser, for additional Quality of Service for the second user in orderthat the second user can achieve the required Quality of Service,sending a Quality of Service authorisation request, to the Policy andCharging Rules function associated with the first user, the requestincluding said required Quality of Service and the additional Quality ofService, receiving a response to the request, the response including anindication that the required Quality of Service and the additionalQuality of Service have been authorised, and notifying the ApplicationServer that the Policy and Charging Rules function associated with thesecond user has authorised said additional Quality of Service.

Prior to receiving a request from an Application Server that the firstuser obtain authorisation for additional Quality of Service, the methodmay further comprise receiving a message from the Application Server torequest whether or not the first user is willing to provide theadditional Quality of Service for the second user, sending a message tothe first user requesting whether or not the first user is willing toprovide the additional Quality of Service for the second user, receivinga response from the first user, and notifying the Application Server ofthe response.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of operating an IP Multimedia Subsystem Proxy Call SessionControl Function associated with a first user to facilitate acommunication session between the first user and a second user at arequired Quality of Service. The method comprises receiving a requestfrom an Application Server to obtain authorisation, from a Policy andCharging Rules function associated with the first user, for the requiredQuality of Service, the request including an indication that additionalQuality of Service has been authorised by a Policy and Charging Rulesfunction associated with the second user, sending a Quality of Serviceauthorisation request, to the Policy and Charging Rules functionassociated with the first user, the request including said requiredQuality of Service and an indication that the additional Quality ofService has been authorised, receiving a response to the request, theresponse including an indication that the required Quality of Servicehas been authorised for the first user, and notifying the ApplicationServer that the Policy and Charging Rules function associated with thefirst user has authorised the required Quality of Service.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is providedan apparatus configured to operate as an IP Multimedia SubsystemApplication Server for facilitating a communication session between afirst user and a second user at a required Quality of Service. Theapparatus comprises a receiver for receiving a notification that aPolicy and Charging Rules function associated with the first user hasnot authorised said required Quality of Service, the notificationincluding an indication of additional Quality of Service required by thefirst user in order to achieve said required Quality of Service, aprocessing unit for generating a request for authorisation for theadditional Quality of Service for the first user, a transmitter forsending the authorisation request, a receiver for receiving anotification that the Policy and Charging Rules function associated withthe second user has authorised said additional Quality of Service, and atransmitter for notifying the Policy and Charging Rules functionassociated with the first user that the additional Quality of Servicehas been authorised for the first user.

The apparatus may further comprise a transmitter for requesting whetheror not the second user is willing to provide the additional Quality ofService for the first user, and a receiver for receiving a response fromthe second user.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is providedan apparatus configured to operate as a Policy and Charging RulesFunction associated with a first user for establishing a communicationsession between the first user and a second user at a required Qualityof Service. The apparatus comprises a receiver for receiving a Qualityof Service authorisation request, the request including said requiredQuality of Service and an additional Quality of Service required by thesecond user, a processing unit for determining if a subscription of thefirst user allows sufficient Quality of Service for both the requiredQuality of Service and the additional Quality of Service, and atransmitter for responding to the request with an indication that therequired Quality of Service and the additional Quality of Service havebeen authorised.

The processing unit may be arranged to reduce the Quality of Serviceavailable to the first user for the duration of the session, by anamount equivalent to the additional Quality of Service, if thesubscription of the first user does allow sufficient Quality of Servicefor both the required Quality of Service and the additional Quality ofService. The processing unit may be further arranged to determine if thesubscription of the first user can be upgraded, at the cost of the firstuser, in order to provide the required Quality of Service for the firstuser and the additional Quality of Service required by the second user,and if so, to upgrade the subscription of the first user.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is providedan apparatus configured to operate as a Policy and Charging RulesFunction associated with a first user for controlling the establishmentof a communication session between the first user and a second user at arequired Quality of Service. The apparatus comprises a receiver forreceiving a Quality of Service authorisation request, the requestincluding said required Quality of Service, a processing unit fordetermining if a subscription of the first user allows sufficientQuality of Service for the required Quality of Service, and, if not, fordetermining the additional Quality of Service required by the first userin order to achieve said required Quality of Service, and a transmitterfor responding to the request with an indication that the requiredQuality of Service has not been authorised and including the additionalQoS.

The apparatus may further comprise a receiver for receiving a furtherQuality of Service authorisation request, the request including saidrequired Quality of Service and an indication that the additionalQuality of Service has been authorised by a Policy and Charging Rulesfunction associated with the second user, a processing unit fordetermining if a combination of the Quality of Service allowed by asubscription of the first user and the additional Quality of Service issufficient for the required Quality of Service, and a transmitter forresponding to the request with an indication that the required Qualityof Service has been authorised.

The processing unit may be arranged to increase the Quality of Serviceavailable to the first user for the duration of the session, by anamount equivalent to the additional Quality of Service, if thecombination of the Quality of Service allowed by a subscription of thefirst user and the additional Quality of Service is sufficient for therequired Quality of Service.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is providedan apparatus configured to operate as an IP Multimedia Subsystem ProxyCall Session Control Function associated with a first user forfacilitating a communication session between the first user and a seconduser at a required Quality of Service. The apparatus comprises areceiver for receiving a request from an Application Server that thefirst user obtain authorisation, from a Policy and Charging Rulesfunction associated with the first user, for additional Quality ofService for the second user in order that the second user can achievethe required Quality of Service, a processing unit for generating aQuality of Service authorisation request, the request including saidrequired Quality of Service and the additional Quality of Service, atransmitter for sending the Quality of Service authorisation request tothe Policy and Charging Rules function associated with the first user, areceiver for receiving a response to the request, the response includingan indication that the required Quality of Service and the additionalQuality of Service have been authorised, and a transmitter for notifyingthe Application Server that the Policy and Charging Rules functionassociated with the second user has authorised said additional Qualityof Service.

The apparatus may further comprise a receiver for receiving a requestfrom the Application Server to determine whether or not the first useris willing to provide the additional Quality of Service for the seconduser, a transmitter for sending a message to the first user requestingwhether or not the first user is willing to provide the additionalQuality of Service for the second user, a receiver for receiving aresponse from the first user, and a transmitter for notifying theApplication Server of the response.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is providedan apparatus configured to operate as an IP Multimedia Subsystem ProxyCall Session Control Function associated with a first user forfacilitating a communication session between the first user and a seconduser at a required Quality of Service. The apparatus comprises areceiver for receiving a request from an Application Server to obtainauthorisation, from a Policy and Charging Rules function associated withthe first user, for the required Quality of Service, the requestincluding an indication that additional Quality of Service has beenauthorised by a Policy and Charging Rules function associated with thesecond user, a processing unit for generating a Quality of Serviceauthorisation request, the request including said required Quality ofService and an indication that the additional Quality of Service hasbeen authorised, a transmitter for sending the Quality of Serviceauthorisation request to the Policy and Charging Rules functionassociated with the first user, a receiver for receiving a response tothe request, the response including an indication that the requiredQuality of Service has been authorised for the first user, and atransmitter for notifying the Application Server that the Policy andCharging Rules function associated with the first user has authorisedthe required Quality of Service.

The present invention provides that both the first and second users willhave adequate QoS available to participate in the session. In addition,the network operator(s) involved in the communication will benefit froma successful establishment of a communication session.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically an example of PCC architecture employedin a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) IP-CAN;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example signalling flow diagram of a videoconference negotiation in an IM CN subsystem;

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate an example signalling flow diagram of avideo conference negotiation in an IM CN subsystem according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the process implemented by anApplication Server according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the process implemented by a Policy andCharging Rules Function according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the process implemented by a Policy andCharging Rules Function according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the process implemented by a Proxy CallSession Control Function according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the process implemented by a Proxy CallSession Control Function according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 illustrates schematically an example of an Application Serveraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates schematically an example of a Policy and ChargingRules Function according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 illustrates schematically an example of a Proxy Call SessionControl Function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to overcome, or at least mitigate the problem identified abovethere will now be described a method of establishing a communicationsession between at least a first user and a second user, wherein the QoSallowed by the subscription of the second user does not meet the minimumQoS preferred or required for the session. In the method, the QoSavailable to the second user may be increased to at least the minimumdesired QoS for the duration of the session, with additional or upgradedQoS provided by the first user. The first user can either pay for thisadditional or upgraded QoS, on behalf of the second user, or they canallow the second user to make use of the QoS allowed by theirsubscription. As a result, the communication between the first andsecond user can be successfully established even if the QoS available tothe second user is insufficient/inadequate for a particular session.

If the first user allows the second user to make use of QoS allowed bytheir subscription, the QoS available to the first user is temporarilydecreased. As such, the QoS allowed by the first user's subscriptionmust be sufficient to provide the minimum desired QoS to the first user,as well as the additional or upgraded QoS required by the second user.In other words, the second user effectively borrows a portion of the QoSavailable to the first user.

For example, a first user and second user wish to establish a multimediacommunication between them, the multimedia communication session havinga minimum required bandwidth of 1.8 Mbps. If the first user'ssubscription restricts the bandwidth available to the first user to 3Mbps, and the second user's subscription restricts the bandwidthavailable to the second user to 1 Mbps, then the method described herewill provide that the second user can borrow 0.8 Mbps of bandwidth fromthat available to the first user. Therefore, for the duration of themultimedia communication between the first user and the second user, thesecond user will be provided with up to 1.8 Mbps, and the first userwill be provided with up to 2.2 Mbps.

According to this method, if it is determined that the QoS restrictionsof the subscription of a second user do not meet the QoS preferred orrequired for a particular communication session, then a request can bemade to the first user to provide the additional or upgraded QoSrequired by the second user. This additional or upgraded QoS allows thesecond user to achieve the desired QoS. If the first user agrees to thisrequest, then the QoS available to the second user will be increased,either at the expense of the first user, or using the QoS allowed by thesubscription of the first user.

In doing so, the method provides that both the first and second usershave adequate QoS available to use the service, and that the networkoperator(s) involved in the communication benefit from a successfulestablishment of a communication session. Furthermore, if theparticipating user's are sharing the QoS allowed by their subscriptions,then the network operator's can still apply a dynamic QoS policy thatdoes not necessarily overload their network resources, since the totalQoS available for the users remains the same. However, if the networkresources available in the access network(s) are limited, the networkoperator(s) can still restrict the QoS provided to both the first andsecond users.

In one possible implementation, related to multimedia communicationservices in an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture, the methoddescribed above is performed as a supplementary service. In an IMS,supplementary services are implemented using a Telephony ApplicationServer (TAS) that acts a Back to Back User Agent (B2BUA) i.e., itterminates two dialogs (SIP dialogs in this case). The TAS contains theservice logic which provides the basic call processing servicesincluding digit analysis, routing, call setup, call waiting, callforwarding, conferencing, communication identification, reversedcharging etc. The TAS will receive a notification that the desired QoShas not been authorised for one of the participating users and will theninitiate a request towards another participating user to ask if he/shewill agree to provide the additional or upgraded QoS that the other userrequires in order to execute the service that is being negotiated. Assuch, the TAS will work as an intermediate node between both users forthe negotiation of this QoS sharing service.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are an example signalling flow diagram of a videoconference negotiation in an IM CN subsystem, wherein a QoS sharingservice is provided as a supplementary service. In this example, thenegotiation takes place between an originating user terminal (UE A) anda terminating user terminal (UE B). The videoconference service requiresa bandwidth of 3 Mbps. The subscription of user A of UE A specifies abandwidth limit of 5 Mbps, whilst the subscription of user B of UE Bspecifies a bandwidth limit of 2 Mbps. The steps performed are asfollows:

-   -   B1. A SIP INVITE is sent from UE A to UE B in order to initiate        the videoconference service. The SIP INVITE is routed via P-CSCF        A associated with UE A, to a TAS, and onto P-CSCF B associated        with UE B.    -   B2. UE B returns a 183 Session Progress message to P-CSCF B.    -   B3. P-CSCF B then sends an Authenticate and Authorize Request        (AAR) message to PCRF B requesting authorisation of the required        QoS. The Rx interface, between the P-CSCF and the PCRF, will        require extension to include the QoS sharing information. For        example, the QoS sharing information may include an indication        that QoS sharing is requested, and the additional QoS (e.g.        bandwidth) that is required.    -   B4. The PCRF B determines if the subscription of user B allows        sufficient QoS to meet the minimum bandwidth of 3 Mbps. In this        example, PCRF B does not authorise the QoS because the        subscription of user B only provides a maximum bandwidth of 1        Mbps. PCRF B sends the rejection to P-CSCF B in an Authenticate        and Authorize Answer (AAA) message, including an indication of        the QoS deficit of user B (i.e. 2 Mbps).    -   B5. P-CSCF B notifies the TAS that the session initiation has        failed due to the QoS limitations of the subscription of the        user B. This notification also includes details of the QoS        deficit of user B, therefore indicating the additional QoS        required by the user B (i.e. 2 Mbps). For example, P-CSCF B may        send a 183 Session Progress message to the TAS.    -   B6. The TAS then implements the QoS sharing procedure as a        supplementary service by sending a SIP message to P-CSCF A        including an indication that QoS sharing is requested and        details of the additional QoS required by user B (i.e. 2 Mbps).        For example, the SIP message may be a 380 Alternative Service        message and may include an XML message body of the form:

<alternative-service>   <type>     <QoS-Sharing-Indication>    <bandwidth-requested> 2 Mbps </bandwidth-requested>    </QoS-Sharing-Indication>   </type> </alternative-service>

-   -   B7. P-CSCF A forwards the QoS sharing request to UE A.    -   B8. UE A receives the QoS sharing request and provides user A        with the opportunity to accept or reject the request. In this        example, user A accepts the request and UE A returns a SIP        message indicating this acceptance to P-CSCF A.    -   B9. P-CSCF A forwards the QoS sharing acceptance to the TAS.    -   B10. The TAS then notifies P-CSCF A that the session has been        accepted and includes an indication that QoS sharing is to be        implemented together with details of the QoS parameters to be        shared with user B. In this case, 2 Mbps of bandwidth is to be        shared.    -   B11. P-CSCF A then sends an Authenticate and Authorize Request        (AAR) message to PCRF A. The request includes the QoS parameters        to be authorised for UE A, but also includes an indication that        QoS sharing is to be implemented together with details of the        QoS parameters to be shared with user B.    -   B12. Upon the receipt of the AAR with the QoS sharing indication        from P-CSCF A. PCRF A evaluates the QoS and Charging rules that        apply to user A. In this example, the subscription of user A        provides a bandwidth limit of 5 Mbps, the videoconference        session requires 3 Mbps and the bandwidth deficit of user B is 2        Mbps. As such, the PCRF-A assigns 3 Mbps to user A, and accepts        the bandwidth sharing of 2 Mbps with user B. This authorisation        is sent to P-CSCF A in an AAA message.    -   B13. P-CSCF A propagates the response from PCRF-A towards the        TAS and P-CSCF B.    -   B14. P-CSCF B informs PCRF B that the QoS sharing has been        accepted in a AAR message.    -   B15. PCRF B then evaluates the QoS and Charging rules that are        to apply to user B. In the example, considering that user A is        sharing 2 Mbps with user B, and that user B has a bandwidth        limit of 1 Mbps, PCRF B authorizes the QoS request of 3 Mbps        required for the videoconference and sends this authorisation to        P-CSCF B in an AAA message.    -   B16. Following authorisation, the resources in the traffic plane        are reserved by means of the initiation of the corresponding        dedicated IP-CAN bearers that meet the negotiated QoS        parameters.

It should be understood that this is a simplified example as, inpractice, the service requirements and user subscriptions may welldifferentiate between uplink and downlink bandwidth as well as makingprovision for other QoS parameters. As such, the method described abovecould equally apply to any service and to any QoS parameters. Inaddition, prior to making use of QoS sharing, the network operator mayrequire that a user subscribe to a QoS sharing service, for example, byan interaction between the user's UE and the TAS.

The example described above illustrates a scenario in which theparticipating users choose to make use of QoS sharing. However, any ofthe participating users may choose to reject the use of QoS sharing. Forexample, user A could reject the request, or P-CSCF A could deny the QoSsharing request (e.g. due to a lack of resources available for user A).In such a case, the TAS would receive the notification that QoS sharinghas been rejected and then initiate termination of the session towardsthe participating users.

When implementing a QoS sharing service, the network operator(s) mayprovide the participating users with further options. For example, whena first user wishes to participate in a communication session with asecond user, but the second user does not have sufficient QoS provisionin their subscription, the first user can agree to implement QoSsharing. However, whilst the first user may have sufficient QoSprovision in their subscription to participate in the session, they maynot have sufficient QoS provision to also cover the deficit in the QoSprovision of the second user. In this case, the first user may be giventhe option of paying for the additional or upgraded QoS required by thesecond user in order to cover this deficit. Alternatively, if the firstuser's subscription is not sufficient, the first user may haveautomatically configured the QoS sharing service to upgrade their ratinggroup or subscription (e.g. for the duration of the session), in orderto provide the additional or upgraded QoS to another user. This upgradein the rating group or subscription of the first user will indicate thata different tariff is required, thereby indicating that the first useris to be charged for this upgrade. Furthermore, it may be the case thatthe network operator(s) may not want to allow user's to share the QoSallowed by their subscriptions, and may therefore only provide that theparticipating users can pay for the additional or upgraded QoS.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the process implemented by anApplication Server (AS) that supports a QoS sharing service. The stepsperformed are as follows:

-   -   C1. The AS receives a request to establish a communication        session between a first user and a second user. For example, the        request may have been sent from the first user to the AS, via a        P-CSCF associated with the first user.    -   C2. The AS forwards this request towards the second user, via a        P-CSCF associated with the second user, and includes in the        request an indication of the QoS preferred or required for the        session.    -   C3. The AS then receives a response to the session request.    -   C4. The AS determines whether or not the response indicates that        the desired QoS has been authorised for the second user.    -   C5. If the desired QoS has been authorised for the second user,        then the AS continues to establish the session according to        standard procedures.    -   C6. If the desired QoS has not been authorised for the second        user, and the response also indicates the additional or upgraded        QoS required by the second user, then the AS sends a message        towards the first user, requesting that the first user provide        the additional or upgraded QoS for the second user.        Alternatively, the first user may have pre-configured the QoS        sharing service with their permissions, such that it is not        necessary to request permission from the user on each occasion.        In such circumstances, the permissions could indicate that QoS        sharing is to occur automatically such that the process would        continue from step C9.    -   C7. The AS then receives a response from the first user.    -   C8. The AS determines whether or not the first user is willing        to provide the additional or upgraded QoS required by the second        user.    -   C9. If the first user is not willing, then the session is        terminated.    -   C10. If the first user is willing, then the AS sends a message        to the P-CSCF associated with the first user indicating that        authorisation of the additional QoS is required.    -   C11. The AS then receives a response from the P-CSCF associated        with the first user.    -   C12. The AS determines whether or not the response indicates        that a PCRF associated with the first user has authorised the        additional QoS.    -   C13. If the PCRF has not authorised the additional QoS, then the        session is terminated.    -   C14. If the PCRF has authorised the additional QoS, then the AS        sends a message towards a PCRF associated with the second user,        indicating that the additional or upgraded QoS has been        authorised for the second user.

Where the AS is in an IM CN subsystem, the SIP protocol will requireextension such that the QoS sharing information can be included. Forexample, the QoS sharing information may include, an indication the QoSsharing is requested, and the QoS that is required to be shared.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the process implemented by a Policy andCharging Rules Function (PCRF) that supports a QoS sharing service,wherein the PCRF is associated with a first user who wishes to establisha communication session with a second user. In this case, the first useris willing to provide additional QoS for a second user. The stepsperformed are as follows:

-   -   D1. The PCRF receives a QoS authorisation request, the request        including the QoS required by the first user associated with the        PCRF and additional QoS required by the second user.    -   D2. The PCRF determines if the subscription of the first user        allows sufficient QoS to provide both the QoS required by the        first user and the additional QoS required by the second user.    -   D3. If the subscription is sufficient, then the PCRF responds to        the request indicating that the QoS required by the first user        and the additional QoS required by the second user have been        authorised.    -   D4. If the subscription is insufficient, the PCRF then        determines if it can upgrade the subscription of the first user,        at the cost of the first user, in order to provide the QoS        required by the first user and the additional QoS required by        the second user. This may require the PCRF to request the        permission of the first user, or determining whether or not this        permission has been pre-configured for the first user.    -   D5. If the PCRF can not upgrade the subscription, then the PCRF        responds to the QoS authorisation request, indicating that the        QoS has not been authorised.    -   D6. If the PCRF can upgrade the subscription, then the PCRF        responds to the QoS authorisation request, indicating that the        QoS required by the first user and the additional QoS required        by the second user have been authorised.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the process implemented by a Policy andCharging Rules Function (PCRF) that supports a QoS sharing service,wherein a first user wishes to establish a communication session with asecond user and the PCRF is associated with the second user. The stepsperformed are as follows:

-   -   E1. The PCRF receives a QoS authorisation request, the request        including the QoS required by the second user.    -   E2. The PCRF determines if the subscription of the second user        allows sufficient QoS to provide the QoS required for the        session.    -   E3. If the subscription is sufficient, then the PCRF responds to        the request indicating that the QoS required by the second user        has been authorised.    -   E4. If the subscription is insufficient, the PCRF then        determines the additional QoS that is required by the second        user in order to achieve the QoS required for the session and        responds to the request including an indication of this        additional QoS.    -   E5. The PCRF may then receive a QoS authorisation request, the        request including the QoS required by the second user and an        indication that the additional QoS has been authorised by a PCRF        associated with the first user.    -   E6. The PCRF then determines if the combination of the        additional QoS with the QoS provided by the subscription of the        second user is sufficient to provide the QoS required in order        to participate in the session    -   E7. If the combined QoS is sufficient, then the PCRF responds to        the request indicating that the required QoS has been authorised        for the second user.    -   E8. If the combined QoS is insufficient, the PCRF responds to        the request indicating that the QoS has not been authorised for        the second user.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the process implemented by a Proxy CallSession Control Function (P-CSCF) that supports a QoS sharing service,wherein the P-CSCF is associated with a first user who wishes toestablish a communication session with a second user. The stepsperformed are as follows:

-   -   F1. The P-CSCF receives a request from the first user to        establish a communication session with the second user.    -   F2. The P-CSCF forwards this request towards the second user.    -   F3. The P-CSCF then receives a message from an AS requesting        that the first user provide additional QoS for the second user.    -   F4. The P-CSCF then forwards this request towards the first        user. Alternatively, the first user may have pre-configured the        QoS sharing service with their permissions, such that it is not        necessary to request permission from the user on each occasion.        In such circumstances, the permissions could indicate that QoS        sharing is to occur automatically such that the process would        continue from step F6.    -   F5. The P-CSCF then receives a response to this request from the        first user, the response indicating whether or not the first        user has accepted or rejected the request.    -   F6. The P-CSCF notifies the AS as to whether or not the first        user is willing to provide additional QoS for the second user.    -   F7. The P-CSCF then receives a message from the AS requesting        that the first user obtain authorisation for the additional QoS        required by the second user, the request including an indication        of the additional QoS.    -   F8. The P-CSCF then sends a QoS authorisation request (i.e. an        AAA) to a PCRF associated with the first user, the request        including the QoS required by the first user and the additional        QoS required by the second user.    -   F9. The P-CSCF then receives a response (i.e. an AAR) from the        PCRF, indicating whether or not the QoS required by the first        user and the additional QoS required by the second user has been        authorised.    -   F10. The P-CSCF notifies the AS of the authorisation response        from the PCRF.

Alternatively, if the response from the PCRF indicates that the firstuser must pay for the additional QoS required by the second user, thenthe P-CSCF can send a request for permission to the first user. TheP-CSCF will then forward any response from the first user to the PCRF,receive a further response from the PCRF and notify the AS of thisauthorisation response.

Once the PCRF associated with the second user has authorised the QoS forthe second user, taking into account the additional QoS provided by thefirst user, the P-CSCF associated with the first user will receive anindication that it may proceed to establish the communication session.As such, the P-CSCF will then instruct the UE of the first user toreserve resources with the required QoS.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the process implemented by a Proxy CallSession Control Function (P-CSCF) that supports a QoS sharing service,wherein a first user wishes to establish a communication session with asecond user and the P-CSCF is associated with the second user. The stepsperformed are as follows:

-   -   G1. The P-CSCF receives a request from an AS to establish a        communication session between the first user and the second        user.    -   G2. The P-CSCF forwards this request towards the second user.    -   G3. The P-CSCF then receives a response from the second user        indicating that the second user wishes to participate in the        session and indicating the QoS required for the session.    -   G4. The P-CSCF then sends a QoS authorisation request (i.e. an        AAA) to a PCRF associated with the second user, the request        including the QoS required for the session.    -   G5. The P-CSCF then receives a response (i.e. an AAR) from the        PCRF, indicating whether or not the QoS required has been        authorised for the second user. If the response from the PCRF        indicates that the required QoS has not been authorised, then        the response will also include an indication of the additional        QoS required by the second user in order to achieve the QoS        required for the session.    -   G6. The P-CSCF notifies the AS of the authorisation response        from the PCRF. If the response from the PCRF indicates that the        required QoS has not been authorised, then the notification to        the AS will include an indication of the additional QoS required        by the second user.    -   G7. Assuming that the response from the PCRF received in step G5        indicates that the required QoS has not been authorised, then        the P-CSCF subsequently receives a message from the AS        requesting authorisation for the required QoS for the second        user. This request includes an indication that the additional        QoS required by the second user has been authorised by a PCRF        associated with the first user.    -   G8. The P-CSCF then sends another QoS authorisation request        (i.e. an AAA) to the PCRF associated with the second user, the        request including the QoS required for the session and an        indication that the additional QoS required by the second user        has been authorised by a PCRF associated with the first user.    -   G9. The P-CSCF then receives a response (i.e. an AAR) from the        PCRF, indicating whether or not the QoS required for the session        has been authorised for the second user.    -   G10. The P-CSCF notifies the AS of the authorisation response        from the PCRF.

Given that the additional QoS has been authorised by the PCRF associatedwith the first user, the response from the PCRF associated with thesecond user, in step G9, will indicate that the QoS required for thesession has been authorised, based on a combination of the additionalQoS with the QoS allowed by the subscription of the second user. Assuch, the P-CSCF will then instruct the UE of the second user to reserveresources with the required QoS.

FIG. 9 illustrates schematically an example of an AS 1 suitable forimplementing the method described above. The AS 1 can be implemented asa combination of computer hardware and software. The AS 1 comprises areceiver 2, a processing unit 3 and a transmitter 4. The receiver 2 issuitable for receiving a notification that the PCRF associated with asecond user has not authorised the QoS required for the session. Thisnotification includes an indication of additional QoS required by thesecond user. The processing unit 3 then generates a request forauthorisation for the additional QoS required by the second user. Thetransmitter 4 then sends this request to a PCRF associated with a firstuser, via the P-CSCF associated with the first user. The receiver 2 thenreceives a notification that the PCRF associated with the first user hasauthorised the additional QoS, and uses the transmitter 4 to notify thePCRF associated with the second user. This notification is transmittedto the PCRF via the P-CSCF. The transmitter 4 can also be used to send arequest to the first user, requesting whether or not the first user iswilling to provide the additional QoS to the second user, prior torequesting authorisation for the additional QoS. The response from thefirst user is received by the receiver 2.

FIG. 10 illustrates schematically an example of a PCRF 5 suitable forimplementing the method described above. The PCRF 5 can be implementedas a combination of computer hardware and software. The PCRF 5 comprisesa receiver 6, a processing unit 7 and a transmitter 8.

For a PCRF 5 associated with the first user, the receiver 6 is suitablefor receiving a QoS authorisation request for the QoS required for thesession and for the additional QoS required by the second user. Theprocessing unit 7 then determines if the subscription of the first userallows sufficient QoS for both the required QoS and the additional QoS.The response to the request is then sent using the transmitter 8. Inaddition, if the subscription of the first user does allow sufficientQoS for both the required QoS and the additional QoS, then theprocessing unit 7 may also reduce the QoS available to the first userfor the duration of the session, by an amount equivalent to theadditional QoS. However, if the subscription of the first user does notallow sufficient QoS for both the required QoS and the additional QoS,then the processing unit 7 may determine if the subscription of thefirst user can be upgraded, at the cost of the first user, in order toprovide the required QoS for the first user and the additional QoS forthe second user. If so, the processing unit 7 will upgrade thesubscription of the first user for the duration of the session.

For a PCRF 5 associated with the second user, the receiver 6 is suitablefor receiving a QoS authorisation request, the request including the QoSrequired for the session. The processing unit 7 determines if thesubscription of the second user allows sufficient QoS to provide therequired QoS. If not, the processing unit 7 determines the additionalQuality of Service required by the second user in order to achieve therequired QoS. The transmitter 8 is then used to send the response to therequest, including an indication that the required QoS has not beenauthorised and including an indication of the additional QoS required bythe second user in order to achieve the required QoS. Furthermore, thereceiver 6 is also suitable for receiving a further QoS authorisationrequest, including the QoS required for the session and an indicationthat the additional QoS has been authorised by a PCRF associated withthe first user. The processing unit 7 then determines if a combinationof the QoS allowed by a subscription of the second user and theadditional QoS is sufficient to provide the required QoS. Thetransmitter 8 is then used to send the response to this further request,the response including an indication that the required QoS has beenauthorised for the second user. If the combination of the QoS allowed bya subscription of the second user and the additional QoS is sufficientto provide the required QoS, then the processing unit 7 may alsoincrease the QoS available to the second user for the duration of thesession, by an amount equivalent to the additional QoS.

FIG. 11 illustrates schematically an example of a P-CSCF 9 suitable forimplementing the method described above. The P-CSCF 9 can be implementedas a combination of computer hardware and software. The P-CSCF 9comprises a receiver 10, a processing unit 11 and a transmitter 12.

For a P-CSCF 9 associated with the first user, then the receiver 10 issuitable for receiving a request from an AS that the first user obtainauthorisation for the additional QoS required by the second user. Theprocessing unit 11 then generates a QoS authorisation request, includingthe required QoS and the additional QoS, and the transmitter 12 sendsthis QoS authorisation request to the PCRF associated with the firstuser. The receiver 10 then receives the response to this request, theresponse including an indication that the required QoS and theadditional QoS have been authorised. The transmitter 12 is the used forsending a notification to the AS. Prior to requesting authorisation forthe additional QoS, the receiver 10 can also receive a message from theAS, requesting whether or not the first user is willing to provide theadditional QoS to the second user. The transmitter 12 is then used tosend such a request to the first user. The response from the first useris received by the receiver 10, and notified to the AS using thetransmitter 12.

For a P-CSCF 9 associated with the second user, the receiver 10 issuitable for receiving a request from the AS to obtain authorisation forthe required QoS, the request including an indication that additionalQoS has been authorised by a PCRF associated with the first user. Theprocessing unit 11 generates a QoS authorisation request for therequired Quality of Service, and including an indication that theadditional QoS has been authorised. The transmitter 12 sends this QoSauthorisation request to the PCRF associated with the second user. Thereceiver 10 then receives a response to the request, including anindication that the required QoS has been authorised for the seconduser, and a notification is sent to the AS using the transmitter 12.

The UE of the first user is required to receive the message from the ASrequesting that the first user share their QoS with the second user. TheUE then provides the first user with an opportunity to accept or rejectthis request and sends an appropriate response towards the AS.

The method described herein provides that the limitations on the QoSavailable to a user, due to the restrictions of their subscription, donot necessarily prevent them from participating in services with otherusers, which would otherwise have the effect of limiting the servicesavailable to those other users.

It will be appreciated by the person of skill in the art that variousmodifications may be made to the above-described embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

1. A method of operating a Policy and Charging Rules Function associatedwith a first user to establish a communication session between the firstuser and a second user at a required Quality of Service, the methodcomprising: receiving a Quality of Service authorisation request, therequest including said required Quality of Service required by the firstuser and an additional Quality of Service required by the second user;determining if a subscription of the first user allows sufficientQuality of Service for both the required Quality of Service and theadditional Quality of Service; and if the subscription of the first userdoes allow sufficient Quality of Service for both the required Qualityof Service and the additional Quality of Service, responding to theQuality of Service authorisation request with an indication that therequired Quality of Service and the additional Quality of Service havebeen authorised.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein if the subscription ofthe first user does allow sufficient Quality of Service for both therequired Quality of Service and the additional Quality of Service, theQuality of Service available to the first user is reduced by an amountequivalent to the additional Quality of Service for the duration of thesession.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein if the subscription of thefirst user does not allow sufficient Quality of Service for both therequired Quality of Service and the additional Quality of Service, themethod comprises: determining if the subscription of the first user canbe upgraded, at the cost of the first user, in order to provide therequired Quality of Service for the first user and the additionalQuality of Service required by the second user; and if the subscriptionof the first user can be upgraded, upgrading the subscription of thefirst user, and responding to the Quality of Service authorisationrequest with an indication that the required Quality of Service and theadditional Quality of Service have been authorised.
 4. The method ofclaim 3 wherein determining if the subscription of the first user can beupgraded comprises: sending a message to the first user requestingpermission to upgrade the subscription of the first user.
 5. The methodof claim 3 wherein determining if the subscription of the first user canbe upgraded comprises: determining whether or not permission to upgradethe subscription of the first user has been pre-configured for the firstuser.
 6. A method of operating a Policy and Charging Rules Functionassociated with a first user to control the establishment of acommunication session between the first user and a second user at arequired Quality of Service, the method comprising: receiving a Qualityof Service authorisation request, the Quality of Service authorisationrequest including said required Quality of Service required by the firstuser; determining if a subscription of the first user allows sufficientQuality of Service for the required Quality of Service; and if thesubscription of the first user does not allow sufficient Quality ofService for the required Quality of Service, determining an additionalQuality of Service required by the first user in order to achieve saidrequired Quality of Service, and responding to the Quality of Serviceauthorisation request with an indication that the requested Quality ofService has not been authorised and including the additional Quality ofService required by the first user.
 7. The method of claim 6 furthercomprising: receiving a further Quality of Service authorisationrequest, the further Quality of Service authorisation request includingsaid required Quality of Service required by the first user and anindication that the additional Quality of Service has been authorised bya Policy and Charging Rules function associated with the second user;determining if a combination of the Quality of Service allowed by asubscription of the first user and the additional Quality of Service issufficient for the required Quality of Service; and if the combinationof the Quality of Service allowed by a subscription of the first userand the additional Quality of Service is sufficient for the requiredQuality of Service, responding to the request with an indication thatthe required Quality of Service has been authorised.
 8. The method ofclaim 7 wherein if the combination of the Quality of Service allowed bya subscription of the first user and the additional Quality of Serviceis sufficient for the required Quality of Service, the Quality ofService available to the first user is increased by an amount equivalentto the additional Quality of Service for the duration of the session. 9.An apparatus configured to operate as a Policy and Charging RulesFunction associated with a first user for establishing a communicationsession between the first user and a second user at a required Qualityof Service, the apparatus comprising: a receiver configured to receive aQuality of Service authorisation request, the Quality of Serviceauthorisation request including said required Quality of Service and anadditional Quality of Service required by the second user; a processingunit configured to determine if a subscription of the first user allowssufficient Quality of Service for both the required Quality of Serviceand the additional Quality of Service; and a transmitter configured torespond to the Quality of Service authorisation request with anindication that the required Quality of Service and the additionalQuality of Service have been authorised.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9wherein the processing unit is further configured to reduce the Qualityof Service available to the first user for the duration of the sessionby an amount equivalent to the additional Quality of Service, if thesubscription of the first user does allow sufficient Quality of Servicefor both the required Quality of Service and the additional Quality ofService.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the processing unit isfurther configured to: determine if the subscription of the first usercan be upgraded, at the cost of the first user, in order to provide therequired Quality of Service for the first user and the additionalQuality of Service required by the second user; and if the subscriptionof the first user can be upgraded, upgrade the subscription of the firstuser.
 12. An apparatus configured to operate as a Policy and ChargingRules Function associated with a first user for controlling theestablishment of a communication session between the first user and asecond user at a required Quality of Service, the apparatus comprising:a receiver configured to receive a Quality of Service authorisationrequest, the Quality of Service authorisation request including saidrequired Quality of Service; a processing unit configured to determineif a subscription of the first user allows sufficient Quality of Servicefor the required Quality of Service, and, if the subscription of thefirst user does not allow sufficient Quality of Service for the requiredQuality of Service, to determine the additional Quality of Servicerequired by the first user in order to achieve said required Quality ofService; and a transmitter configured to respond to the Quality ofService authorisation request with an indication that the requiredQuality of Service has not been authorised and including the additionalQuality of Service.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising: areceiver configured to receive a further Quality of Serviceauthorisation request, the further Quality of Service authorisationrequest including said required Quality of Service and an indicationthat the additional Quality of Service has been authorised by a Policyand Charging Rules function associated with the second user; aprocessing unit configured to determine if a combination of the Qualityof Service allowed by a subscription of the first user and theadditional Quality of Service is sufficient for the required Quality ofService; and a transmitter configured to respond to the further Qualityof Service authorisation request with an indication that the requiredQuality of Service has been authorised.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13wherein the processing unit is further configured to increase theQuality of Service available to the first user for the duration of thesession by an amount equivalent to the additional Quality of Service, ifa combination of the Quality of Service allowed by a subscription of thefirst user and the additional Quality of Service is sufficient for therequired Quality of Service.